KIPLING GODWIN
Executive Director
Farmers Market Association of North Carolina, Inc.
North Carolina native Kipling Godwin is Executive Director and chief administrative officer of the newly formed Farmers Market Association of North Carolina, Inc.
Godwin has more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit organizational management, administration, marketing, public relations, fundraising and grant writing. He earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in agricultural education from North Carolina State University and was named “Outstanding Young Alumnus” by the NCSU College of Agriculture & Life Sciences in 1997.
A former state and national officer in the Future Farmers of America (FFA), Godwin served for nine years as Executive Director of the North Carolina FFA Foundation. He has helped to organize, manage and serves on the board of a number of local, regional and state nonprofit organizations. Godwin works closely with members of the North Carolina General Assembly, the U.S. Congress, and various other units of local, state and federal government on a number of important matters.
Godwin grew up on a small family farm in southeastern North Carolina and has a strong background in rural issues as well as knowledge of the needs of farm communities, small towns and rural counties. He served as a Columbus County Commissioner from 2002-2006 and was recognized by the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners with the statewide Outstanding County Commissioner Award in 2006.
Godwin’s consulting business, Kipling Godwin & Associates has provided a variety of products and services to the self-employed, small business owners, nonprofit organizations, churches, families and individuals throughout North & South Carolina since 2001. Areas of professional expertise include organizational and project management, grant writing, marketing, public relations, web development and government relations.
Most recently, Godwin helped his local farmer’s market apply for and secure more than $240,000 in grant funding. His considerable grant writing experience and knowledge of the agriculture sector has helped him in preparing grant applications and proposals to several state agencies and foundations as well as to the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Godwin is currently assisting several other farmer’s markets throughout the state.
Last year, Kipling Godwin & Associates provided local management of a landfill gas-to-energy project through a contract with Appalachian State University Energy Center. The project has secured a significant financial investment for a methane gas collection system that will lead to carbon credit revenue, electricity generation, bio-fuels production and job creation.
The Farmers Market Association of North Carolina (FMANC) is a statewide nonprofit organization that Supports & Promotes Local, Sustainable Food! Anyone can join FMANC but membership primary consists of farmer’s market managers, farmers/vendors, suppliers and others who are affiliated with farmers markets and local food ventures. For more information, visit the Association website at www.ncfarmersmarkets.org.